The Dallas Cowboys have added veteran guard Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad just prior to the 2026 NFL season. This decision comes as the team seeks to address the absence of Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith, who will start the season on injured reserve.
Tomlinson, selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has a career total of 173 games played, with 162 starts. His previous teams include the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans. Notably, he started all 17 games for the Seahawks in the 2024 season.
Having not been on an NFL roster since January following his time with the Texans and Ravens, Tomlinson's signing offers the Cowboys experienced depth as they prepare for their upcoming game against the New York Giants. While it remains uncertain if he will be elevated to the active roster for Week 1, modern practice squad rules allow for potential game day utilization.
In the event Tomlinson does not play, backup interior lineman T.J. Bass is anticipated to fill in for Smith, whose recovery could take 4-6 weeks. Tomlinson's accolades include a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 while with the 49ers, enhancing the Cowboys' offensive line as they begin the season.
